Perfluorooctanoic acid
EPA MCLG
0 mg/L
EPA's health goal is zero — no known safe level of exposure. This is a goal, not an enforceable limit.
Health Effects
Cardiovascular, immune and liver effects; increased incidence of certain types of cancers including kidney and testicular Developmental and immune effects following repeated exposure during pregnancy and/or childhood
Source: EPA — National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (retrieved 2026-07-27)
Common Sources
- Discharge from manufacturing and industrial chemical facilities, use of certain consumer products, occupational exposures, and certain firefighting activities
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The EPA MCLG for Perfluorooctanoic acid is 0 mg/L. Upload your water test (PDF or a photo) and we'll email a plain-English reading of where your result lands — and every other number — free. Educational only, no medical claims.
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Where is Perfluorooctanoic acid Found?
Perfluorooctanoic acid has been detected above EPA health guidelines in 610 cities serving 117.0M people across the US.
and 605 more cities
About the EPA MCLG
The EPA MCLG is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. It is a non-enforceable public health goal, and is often stricter than the legal limit (MCL) water systems must meet.
Contaminant Type
Perfluorooctanoic acid is classified as a PFAS contaminant.
Related PFAS Contaminants
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